Cash Bonusing System and Method

ABSTRACT

A cash bonusing system and method for use in one or more casino establishments for providing cash awards on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/479,420, filed on Apr. 27, 2011.

Portions of this disclosure contain material in which copyright is claimed by the applicant. The applicant has no objection to the copying of this material in the course of making copies of the application file or any patents that may issue on the application, but all other rights whatsoever in the copyrighted material are reserved.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) offer a variety of games such as slot games, video poker games, roulette games, keno games and other types of wagering games that are commonly deployed at a casino for use by players. Play on the EGMs typically requires the player to place a wager on the outcome of a primary game. On many such EGMs, secondary games or bonus rounds are also available after the player qualifies by attaining a certain winning combination or event on or related to the primary game. The player would then enter the secondary game or bonus round where they have an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens or other awards. In most cases, the player is not separately provided prizes in the bonus round, but is returned to the main game upon completion of the bonus round. In the case of ‘game credits’ that are awarded during bonus play, they are typically added on to the credit meter total on the EGM and provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session when the player “cashes out.”

Historically, upon cash out, the player was given the equivalent cash value of the credits remaining on the EGM credit meter in the form of coins deposited into a coin tray of the EGM from a coin hopper that stored quantities of coins inside the cabinet of the EGM. Alternatively, an EGM could dispense bills or a “hand pay” could be performed by a floor attendant who would come to the EGM where the player was playing and pay them in cash for the number of credits on the machine.

In recent years, the market for EGMs has moved away from cash based payout systems to cashless systems that dispense printed tickets with bar codes that can be inserted into the bill validator of any EGM on the casino floor, or exchanged for cash at a casino cage or a cash-out kiosk. EGMs have also been enabled to dispense cash cards that use a magnetic stripe or smart card technology for storing a cash value to minimize the need for cash and coin handling in the EGMs. While these systems are efficient for the casino operator and reduce logistics related to handling and counting currency, they also remove certain emotional elements that a player enjoys when a cash payment is made at the point of play on an EGM.

The present invention is a cash bonusing system and method that dispenses winnings in the form of cash payments at or near the EGM where a player is engaged in play upon the occurrence of a bonusing event. The bonusing event that triggers a cash payout to the player is “external” to the primary game being played on the EGM in the sense that it is not paid upon a winning outcome resulting at the end of a primary game, or an award for play of a bonus round as a result of the primary game on the EGM. Instead, a cash payment is made to a player based on a triggering event that may be one or more of the following: a) a total amount wagered on play for the EGM that the player is playing over some pre-defined time period such as 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, etc.; 2) a total amount wagered on play by a particular player over a pre-defined time period such as 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, etc.; 3) a total amount wagered on play within a bank or other selected grouping of EGMs; 4) a total credit value displayed on the credit meter of a single EGM at which the player is playing; 5) the sum of the value displayed on the credit meter of a designated group of EGMs; or, 6) other triggering criteria for dispensing a cash payout. In all of the cash bonus dispensing situations, when the EGM or other associated device dispenses bills as a cash out, there may also be a celebration of the win by initiating celebratory sounds, visual displays on the screen of the EGM or on other screens located near the EGM or sensory stimulations such as vibrating the chair that the player is occupying while playing on the EGM. Live celebrations may also be performed for the player by casino employees who may approach the EGM where the player is playing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it functions, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show embodiments of the present invention in which:

FIG. 1 shows a group of electronic gaming machines connected to a central controller;

FIG. 2 shows a group of electronic gaming machines connected to a central controller and a bonus selector; and

FIGS. 3A-B show screen shots from an electronic gaming machine during play for a cash-out bonus;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Throughout FIGS. 1-3, like elements of the invention are referred to by the same reference numerals for consistency purposes.

FIG. 1 shows a group of electronic gaming machines connected to a central controller. Each EGM 101 is a wagering device that is used in a casino and may be configured to display and play any of a number of different types of games, including but not limited to electromechanical spinning reel type slot games, video reel games, video poker, keno, roulette, craps, blackjack, or any other type of wagering game.

A group of EGMs 101 forms a bank that may be connected together for different types of system applications. For example, a group of EGMs 101 may be linked together for bonusing in a variety of ways, including progressive bonuses where a portion of an amount wagered is applied to a progressive meter that advances as additional games are played. It is also common for EGMs in a casino establishment to be connected to systems for player tracking so that the casino can keep track of the amount of play by each individual player. In that case, each player is issued a player tracking device such as a card that is inserted into a card slot 103 on EGM 101 during play. The card identifies the player to the system and all wagered amounts are tracked for loyalty rewards and other marketing programs of the casino. Other systems connecting EGMs 101 are used for accounting purposes so that a casino operator can monitor and track play, and assess performance of EGMs across the entire casino floor.

Each EGM 101 has a number of components. A display 105 is used to show game play and resulting outcomes, and may be in the form of a video display (shown), or alternatively, physical reels. Touch screen displays are included on most EGMs and provide a flexible interface for operation of EGM 101, including displaying symbols 106 during play. Other components include a bill validator and a coin acceptor that are both housed inside EGM 101 into which bills may be inserted through bill slot 107 and coins may be inserted through coin head 108, respectively. Buttons 109 on the exterior of EGM 101 are used to control certain EGM operations in conjunction with touch screen display 105. A handle 111 may be used to initiate play of a game and speakers 113 are used to provide sounds in conjunction with game play and other EGM operations. EGMs further include a top box 115 for displaying pay tables, artwork, advertising or other types of information either on fixed glass or on other displays such as an integrated video panel. Top box 115 may be fitted with a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen to permit aspects of game play from either a base game or a secondary game to be shown in top box 115. Meters 117 for tracking credits available for play and other amounts are positioned near the bottom of screen 105. A coin tray 119 at the bottom of EGM 101 is used to catch coins as they are dispensed to a player. It is also common for EGM 101 to include a ticket-in, ticket-out (“TITO”) component that is part of the bill validator housed inside of EGM 101 that may accept bar coded credits through slot 107 and for which the value of the credits is displayed on meters 117 upon a ticket being inserted.

All operational functions of EGM 101 are controlled by a controller such as a microprocessor (not shown) housed inside EGM 101. The controller executes instructions that include operation of a random number generator (“RNG”) that is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Game outcomes are determined based on the results corresponding to the numbers selected by the RNG.

In the system of FIG. 1, EGMs 101 are connected to a controller 121 that is used to interface with EGMs 101 to perform a number of different functions, depending on how games on EGMs 101 are configured to operate. For example, controller 121 may instruct EGMs 101 to dispense cash bonuses based on trigger events determined in accordance with the present invention. Controller 121 is a microprocessor based device such as a computer or server that is in two-way communication with each of the EGMs 101 in a multi-device system over a network connection 123. Controller 121 receives signals from EGM 101 that may indicate any of a number of different types of events occurring on EGM 101.

In a first embodiment, controller 121 is set to transmit an instruction to a particular EGM 101 when the total amount wagered on play on a particular EGM exceeds a trigger amount (or trigger level) for a pre-defined time period such as 24 hours. Controller 121 continuously keeps track of the amount of play for the pre-defined period over network 123, and in the event the amount wagered on a particular EGM 101 exceeds the trigger amount, controller 121 transmits a signal to that EGM 101 to dispense a cash-out payment. The cash-out payment is in the form of one or more bills or coins, and may be dispensed from: 1) the bill validator in EGM 101 through bill slot 107; 2) a coin hopper housed inside of EGM 101 through coin chute 125 and into coin tray 119; or 3) a combination of the bill validator and the coin hopper. Alternatively, a separate add-on bill or cash dispenser (not shown) affixed to or situated nearby to EGM 101 and connected to controller 121 on network 123 may dispense bills or coin, or a combination of the two to the player.

In a second embodiment, controller 121 is set to transmit an instruction to a particular EGM 101 when the total amount wagered on play by a particular player over a pre-defined time period such as 24 hours. The amount wagered by the player may be at a single EGM or a cumulative total for all or some subset of the EGMs located in the casino where the player is playing. As in the example of the first embodiment, controller 121 continuously keeps track of the amount of play for the pre-defined period by the player using player tracking information from the player tracking system connected to network 123, and the player is identified in this embodiment by use of a player tracking card inserted in card slot 103. All information is exchanged between controller 121, EGM 101 and a player tracking system over network 123 to which a player tracking system may also be connected. In the event the amount wagered by the particular player exceeds the trigger amount, controller 121 transmits a signal to the EGM 101 where the player is playing to dispense a cash-out payment. The cash-out payment is in the form of one or more bills or coins, and may be dispensed from: 1) the bill validator in EGM 101 through bill slot 107; 2) a coin hopper housed inside of EGM 101 through coin chute 125 and into coin tray 119; or 3) a combination of the bill validator and the coin hopper. Alternatively, a separate add-on bill or cash dispenser (not shown) affixed to or situated nearby to EGM 101 and connected to controller 121 on network 123 may dispense bills or coin, or a combination of the two to the player.

In a third embodiment, controller 121 is set to transmit an instruction to a particular EGM 101 when the total amount wagered on play within a bank or other selected grouping of EGMs exceeds a pre-defined trigger amount. As in the earlier examples, controller 121 continuously keeps track of the amount of play on the bank or selected group of EGMS for the pre-defined period over network 123. In the event the amount wagered on a particular bank of EGMs exceeds the trigger amount, controller 121 transmits a signal to one or more of the EGMs on the bank to dispense a cash-out payment. The cash-out payment is in the form of one or more bills or coins, and may be dispensed from: 1) the bill validator in EGM 101 through bill slot 107; 2) a coin hopper housed inside of EGM 101 through coin chute 125 and into coin tray 119; or 3) a combination of the bill validator and the coin hopper. Alternatively, a separate add-on bill or cash dispenser (not shown) affixed to or situated nearby to EGM 101 and connected to controller 121 on network 123 may dispense bills or coin, or a combination of the two to the player(s).

In another embodiment, controller 121 is set to transmit an instruction to a particular EGM 101 when the total credit value displayed on the credit meter of a single EGM at which the player is playing, or the sum of the value displayed on the credit meter of a designated group of EGMs exceeds a predefined amount. This triggers either the single EGM, or one or more of the designated group of EGMs to dispense winnings in the form of cash payments at or near the EGM where a player is engaged in play. In the case of the designated group of EGMs, controller 121 may randomly select one or more of the EGMs for payment, or all EGMs within the designated group may receive a payment.

In each of the embodiments described, the threshold that triggers a cash payout to the player is “external” to the EGM in the sense that it is not paid upon a winning outcome resulting at the end of a primary game, or an award for play of a bonus round on the EGM. In the cash bonus dispensing situations of the present invention, when the EGM or other associated device dispenses bills as a cash out bonus, there may also be a celebration of the win by initiating celebratory sounds, visual displays on the screen of the EGM or on other screens located near the EGM or sensory stimulations such as vibrating the chair that the player is occupying while playing on the EGM. Live celebrations may also be performed for the player by casino employees who may approach the EGM where the player is playing.

FIG. 2 shows a group of EGMs 101 and controller 121 connected on network 123 along with a bonus device 201. Bonus device 201 is in the form of a wheel 203 with different potential winning outcome amounts 205 shown on it. Bonus device 201 also includes an indicator 207 to indicate the winning position when wheel 203 comes to a stop. Prize values 209 or other symbols representing different outcomes are shown in the different positions or segments of wheel 203. It should be understood that bonus device 201 may alternatively be a screen for displaying a bonus indicator such as a wheel or any other indicator representation, or it may be a physical dedicated hardware bonus indicator. Bonus device 201 may be incorporated into EGM 101 or it may be a separate device situated nearby to EGM 101, but in a prominently displayed area so that other players in the casino establishment can see it thereby raising the excitement level for the player playing and the other casino customers. Bonus device 201 may take the form of any bonus indicator, a variety of which are known, including but not limited to reels, “pick a prize” reveal type bonus indicators, timers, arrows, etc.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the player(s) selected to receive the cash bonus, is given the opportunity to play a bonus round where the outcome of the bonus round is a particular payout amount. Once that amount is determined on the bonus indicator 201 such as by spinning a wheel 203 and stopping on a particular prize amount 205, the cash amount is dispensed as described with respect to the embodiments of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-B show screen shots of display 105 of EGM 101 during play for a cash-out bonus. In FIG. 3A, display screen 105 shows symbols 106 that are lined up in columns and with different paylines 307 a-c representing the outcome of a game on EGM 101. Once play has ended and it is determined that the player has qualified for a cash-out bonus, a message appears in the left side portion of display 105. This message indicates to the player that he has won a cash-out bonus. To determine the amount of the bonus, the player pushes the “$” button 301, which may be configured as an area on a touch screen, or it may appear elsewhere on EGM 101 as a configurable physical button. Once button 301 is pressed, bonus indicator 203 will be initiated and will stop at the resulting outcome. For example, it may stop on a “100” prize as shown on wheel slice 205 in FIG. 2 resulting in payment of $100. The winning amount is displayed on bonus indicator 203 and may also be shown on screen 105 in any number of possible forms. Alternatively, the amount may be kept as a mystery and simply dispensed without displaying the outcome on a bonus indicator, as shown in FIG. 3B. A “CASH BONUS WINNER!!!” message 303 is shown in FIG. 3B informing the player to check the dispenser to “see how much!” cash he has won.

While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and drawings are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. 

1. A system for paying a cash payment bonus, comprising: at least one electronic gaming machine; a controller connected to the at least one gaming machine over a network wherein the controller receives signals from the at least one gaming machine indicating a measurable value; and a dispenser for dispensing a cash payment bonus to a player upon receiving a signal from the controller once the measurable value reaches a pre-defined trigger value, and wherein regular play on the electronic gaming machine continues unaffected by the cash payment bonus.
 2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a display for indicating to the player the amount of the cash payment bonus.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the display for indicating to the player the amount of the cash payment bonus is a device separate from the at least one gaming machine and is from a group that includes: a) a reel; b) a video screen for displaying an indicator; c) a wheel; d) an arrow; e) a temperature-type gauge; f) a timer; g) an arrow; or h) any other value indicator.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the display also functions to display game operations for the electronic gaming machine.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one bonus indicator for displaying a bonus selection for the cash payment bonus, wherein the player selects one or more of the at least one bonus indicators to reveal the value of the cash payment bonus.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the dispensing of the cash payment bonus is accompanied by one or more celebratory events from a group including: a) visual displays; b) sounds; c) sensory stimulations; and/or c) live celebrations.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the pre-defined trigger value is from the group that includes: a) a total amount wagered at a particular electronic gaming machine; b) a total amount wagered at a plurality of electronic gaming machines; c) a total number of games played at a particular electronic gaming machine; d) a total number of games played at a plurality of electronic gaming machines; e) a predefined period of time; f) a total number of games without a win; g) a number of sequential games without a win; or h) any other pre-defined outcome or series of outcomes.
 8. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a player tracking card slot on the electronic gaming machine; a player tracking card inserted into the player tracking card slot by a player to allow the electronic gaming machine to detect the presence of a player at the electronic gaming machine; and wherein a cash payment bonus may only be dispensed from the dispenser when a player is determined to be present at the electronic gaming machine.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is from the group that includes: a) a bill validator housed inside of the electronic gaming machine; b) a bill validator housed outside of the electronic gaming machine; c) a coin dispenser housed inside of the electronic gaming machine; d) a coin dispenser housed outside of electronic gaming machine; e) an attendant presenting the cash payment bonus to the player; or f) a combination of any of (a)-(e).
 10. A method of paying a cash payment bonus, comprising: setting a pre-defined play trigger value at a controller; monitoring play at one or more electronic gaming machine to determine when the pre-defined play trigger value has been reached; upon reaching the pre-defined play trigger value, transmitting an instruction to a cash dispenser to dispense a cash payment bonus to a player at the one or more electronic gaming machines, and wherein regular play on the at least one electronic gaming machine continues unaffected by the cash payment bonus.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising displaying to the player the amount of the cash payment bonus.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein displaying to the player the amount of the cash payment bonus is performed on a device separate from the at least one gaming machine and is from a group that includes: a) a reel; b) a video screen displaying an indicator; c) a wheel; d) an arrow; e) a temperature-type gauge; f) a timer; g) an arrow; or h) any other value indicator.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the display also functions to display game operations for the electronic gaming machine.
 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising displaying at least one bonus indicator wherein the player selects one or more of the at least one bonus indicators to reveal the value of the cash payment bonus.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein the dispensing of the cash payment bonus is accompanied by one or more celebratory events from a group including: a) visual displays; b) sounds; c) sensory stimulations; and/or c) live celebrations.
 16. The method of claim 10 wherein the pre-defined trigger value is from the group that includes: a) a total amount wagered at a particular electronic gaming machine; b) a total amount wagered at a plurality of electronic gaming machines; c) a total number of games played at a particular electronic gaming machine; d) a total number of games played at a plurality of electronic gaming machines; e) a predefined period of time; f) a total number of games lost; g) a number of sequential games without a win; or h) any other pre-defined outcome or series of outcomes.
 17. The method of claim 10 further comprising: providing a player tracking card slot on the electronic gaming machine; providing a player tracking card to a player; detecting the presence of a player tracking card in the player tracking card slot; determining whether a player is present at the electronic gaming machine based on the presence of a player tracking card in the player tracking card slot; and dispensing a cash payment bonus only on the electronic gaming machine when a player is determined to be present at the electronic gaming machine.
 18. The system of claim 10 wherein dispensing the cash payment bonus is carried out by: a) a bill validator housed inside of the electronic gaming machine; b) a bill validator housed outside of the electronic gaming machine; c) a coin dispenser housed inside of the electronic gaming machine; d) a coin dispenser housed outside of electronic gaming machine; e) an attendant presenting the cash payment bonus to the player; or f) a combination of any of the steps (a)-(e). 